A stellar cast of Post-war artists headlines this evening sale in Paris which includes works by Jean Dubuffet, Antonio Saura and Vieira da Silva. Having smashed the record for a Soulages painting in May 2011, the sale will offer three strong artworks of different periods, from the historic 1950s to the Outrenoir series. In addition, Sotheby’s Paris is honored to present three works coming from the Art Institute of Chicago: a rare Atlan painting, the iconic Ogre by Germaine Richier and an Hourloupe Mask by Jean Dubuffet.

Beside a group of beautiful works by Chu The Chun and a Zao Wou Ki painting, Walking Up Language by Huang Young Ping will bring a sculpture of the artist for the first time at auction in France.  Having broken the record in France for a work by Martial Raysse last May, the sale will also features L’Astronaute, 1963 which shows the artist’s passion for Modernity and new technologies transferred into new techniques of creation.  Paris is also the place for international artists such as Jean-Michel Basquiat, whose MP large painting can be seen as a self-portrait.

This panoramic journey through the Postwar and Contemporary schools is followed by a day sale, containing significant artworks by Nicolas de Staël, Geer Van Velde, Hartung, Arman, César, but also Mitchell, Murakami, Valdes, Yan Pei Ming and Barcelo.

Our commitment to offering significant and outstanding works of art from private collections continues in our Sotheby’s London auction, held during Asian Art in London in November. The sale features an exquisite Qianlong mark and period cloisonné enamel tiger waterpot (Lot 400) and a group of archaic bronze ritual vessels (Lots 376-389) from Parbold Hall, the home of Sir Peter Moores, together with outstanding Qing dynasty imperial monochrome wares (Lots 60-77) from the collection of Richard Cartwright. Jades are also well-represented with two private Italian collections formed in the 1970s.

Further highlights from the sale include a wide selection of fine ceramics, such as a remarkable purple-splash ‘Jun’ dish of the Song dynasty (Lot 360), an impressive Yuan dynasty ‘peacock’ jar (Lot 146), a sumptuous Qianlong mark and period doucai jar and cover decorated with bats and clouds, and a pair of blue and white soldier vases with elaborate European stands. Notable works of art include the fine gilt-bronze figure of Amitayus produced during the Kangxi period (Lot 187), large rhinoceros horn carvings of the late-Ming and early-Qing dynasties (Lots 1-6), and a fine huanghuali corner leg table attributed to the 17th/18th century (Lot 36).

On November 2nd Sotheby’s will offer a sale of Fine Furniture, Tapestries, Ceramics, Clocks, Silver and Carpets with many pieces from distinguished private collections.

Highlights from this sale include a pair of French gilt-bronze mounted porcelain vases, second half of the 19th century, signed A. Maglia, a rare Spanish Iron-Mounted Bone inlaid painted and parcel-gilt Vargueño on stand, a pair of George III giltwood armchairs, circa 173, attributed to François Hervé, commissioned for the 5th Duke of Devonshire, and The Battle of Zenobia, A Flemish Classical Tapestry, Brussels, possibly the workshop of Gerard Peemans, second half 17th century.